Sir Alex Ferguson Praises Manchester United's Glazer Owners

The Scot has been heavily criticised by by some supporters for never speaking out against the controversial American family, whose leveraged takeover of the club has cost an estimated £680 million in associated costs.

And even though he has retired, Ferguson has risked tainting his legacy further by not softening his stance.

"There is a misconception about the Glazers buying the club," he told Charlie Rose on PBS.

"It created hostility and different factions but you forget, the minute it became a PLC someone was going to buy it.

"The Glazers did buy it. And in my time with them - they were nothing but supportive - very strong, single-minded people but always supportive of the manager and the things that happen in the club.

"I've absolutely no hesitation in supporting the way they're going about the job - very low key."

A breakaway club - FC United of Manchester - was formed following the 2005 takeover and many fans have boycotted Old Trafford games in protest against the Glazers.

Though United's commercial revenue in the last eight years has dwarfed their rivals, several transfer windows have closed with United notably uncompetitive in the market.